A bag for the littlest lover of accessories

Eve loves to tote around a tote. She likes to put them around her neck rather dangerously, straps all strangle-y-like. I made her a little bag for Christmas. The pattern for the bag was from Bend the Rules Sewing and the idea for the animal applique was based on a fox softie project in a recent issue of Mollie Makes (my intention was for it to look more like a cat- Eve's favourite creature). The straps on this little bag are not long enough to easily get them around her neck which is a plus in the safety stakes!

The cutest zombie evah!

The computer game/app/whatever of the year around these parts was Plants vs Zombies. I don't usually get into games, but this one is a lot of fun. It isn't too hard which helps!

I had planned to make Caleb a zombie doll for his birthday but never got around to it, but I have done it in time for Christmas. I made him using the Folkster Wee Wonderfuls pattern, and purchased the wool felt from Winterwood (which is deliciously thick and awesome- none of this happening here!)

I used some scrappy off cuts of one of Chris' old work shirts left over from Jemima's skirt for Mr Zombie's shirt. I guess I could have made him more like the zombies on the game, but I really wanted to use stuff I already had- my stash is a *little* out of control.

I love this pattern, and it really isn't too hard to make. If course with no hair or bonnet, he didn't take as long as Eve's doll.

Hot Diggety Dog!

I started making Christmas presents for the kids in June. So organised, and very unusual really. This Sausage Roller from Craft Schmaft was the first project that I started, but I only finished it last night. If I had all the materials at hand, I think I could have made it in a few nights watching TV, but it took me a while to accumulate everything I needed. As is the Craft Schmaft way, it is surprisingly easy to get a nice result. I'm glad this little pup is staying in the family.

I made him for Eve thinking that she would be walking by Christmas, which in June, seemed so bizarre somehow. But yes, she is indeed toddling about and has been for about 3 weeks or so. On Day 3 of full time walking, she tripped (on flat ground) and hit her head so hard she actually passed out for 30 seconds. Terrifying! But she made a quick and full recovery, and we were given the all clear by the medicos 4 hours later. It wasn't the first, and I know it probably won't be the last time we end up in the Emergency Department with one of our children, so I try enjoy each incident free day to the fullest!

++On the day of her spill++

Eve turned one and here are (some of) the pics

Nothing happens quickly on my blog these days, but better late than never: here is but a sample of the photos my talented sister of ESJAYcreative took back in September! It is hard to pick a favourite.... and decide what to frame. I have a huge 16x20" enlargement of the full family shot with the "1" balloon as that is a firm favourite. Just need an enormous frame now! I bought the balloon from Lark and it is still inflated 2 months later and hangs in Eve's room: value!

There are some other ripper shots, but I don't want to overload the unsuspecting reader!

This can also double as a crafty post as I made our headbands, Jemima's t-shirt, and skirt.

I had made her a "Kea shirt" before with transfer paper, and frankly it just didn't last. The transfer cracked and started peeling off after a few washes. Disappointed! This time around I printed the image on printable fabric and appliqued it on. MUCH better. I sewed on some buttons for extra cute value.

I made her skirt out of one of Chris' old work shirts and sewed on some big red pockets, and replaced the buttons with little blue floral ones. Jemima is a total pink addict, but she is also a pocket addict so she approved of this skirt. Phew!

Eve's adorable dress was bought for me in the late 70s but I never wore it. It was unearthed when Jemima was already too big for it so I am making up for lost time with it this girl around! She wears this once a week!

If you would like your own ESJAYcreative family shots, you will have to wait a little while. My sis is away until at least March next year on a rather big adventure! But do keep her in mind. She is quite the artiste!

3 Kids/3 Paintings

When I read this lovely post over at Karlyn's place the other day, I was reminded to post a little afternoon activity we indulged in recently.

Caleb and Jemima each chose a colour and planned a self portrait, and away we went. I couldn't resist joining in, and having baby Eve in the family was the perfect excuse. She was asleep anyways. You snooze, you lose.

Caleb's picture cracks me up. The blood shot eye, the earrings, the crazed expression, and the tiny top hat resting jauntily on his head. lolz.

Jemima is a fairy of course (she tells me that she is the *only fairy* in the world.) She also has earrings in her self portrait, but (like Caleb) she doesn't really. She would love them, but knows it hurts, so she is not really insisting. I was 20 years old when I got earrings, so there is yet time for her!

The paintings are not proudly displayed in the older kids' shared room. We are all quite happy with the result.

Sneak Peek!

I'm back already with one of my favourite shots so far from our 1st Birthday Photo Shoot taken by my sister. There will probably be one or two more to post! (*warning: understatement*)

My sis does family photography professionally, so if you are in Sydney, need some snaps done, and like her style, do keep her in mind.

Birthday Crochet!

So a whole month has passed, and I still haven't posted anything of Eve's first birthday. But I will!! My sister did a family photo shoot and I have to say, she did a smashing job. I can't wait to show you.

In the meantime, here is one of Eve's first birthday presents that I made for her. I used a pattern for the squares from a Mollie Makes magazine and then grannied around until it seemed done. I took the idea from Tif of Dottie Angel who is an endless source of crochet inspiration. I can't find the exact post right now, but it is in there somewhere!

Because I get extremely itchy and rashy when I crochet with wool, this is a washable acrylic yarn, which, on the bright side is nice and hardy for being dragged around by the unstoppable Eve!

I loved making this blanket for my littlest one. I have plans for more, I'm sure Caleb and Jemima are due for another one?

I have been making quite a lot of stuff lately, but have fallen off the blog bandwagon. I hope to climb back on somehow.